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Barkers Furniture Embraces Sustainable Energy Solutions through the UKSPF Low Carbon Project

Street view of a large black building with signage reading ‘Barkers Bedroom & Carpet Superstore,’ ‘Barkers Showroom,’ and ‘Flooring.’ The building has multiple windows, a glass entrance door, and a corner display window. Graffiti is visible on the lower wall, and the sky above is partly cloudy with bright sunlight.

With support from the UKSPF Low Carbon Project, Barkers Furniture, a cherished family-run store in Sheffield since 1915, is taking significant steps towards sustainability. A comprehensive energy survey at their Lowther Road location highlighted high energy usage due to temperature regulation of the large premises. As a result, the Low Carbon Project awarded Barkers Furniture with a grant to install solar panels and ceiling insulation, significantly reducing their carbon footprint.

Interior of a bedroom showroom featuring two adjustable beds with white mattresses and black throws. The walls are decorated with framed artwork, and there are bedside tables, a chest of drawers, and a wooden cabinet in the foreground. A red sign hanging from the ceiling reads ‘SALE NOW ON.’ Bright overhead lighting illuminates the space.

Alexia Barker, Director of Barkers Furniture, expressed enthusiasm about the improvements: “We can already feel the difference in our showroom, in terms of the insulation, and we know that the solar panels are going to create a massive difference.” The store anticipates lower electricity bills and a substantial positive environmental impact.

Rows of black solar panels installed on a corrugated metal rooftop, with additional panels visible further back. Surrounding elements include a brick wall, part of a sloped roof, and green trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

“We could not have been more grateful for the support from Sheffield Council and Business Sheffield,” Alexia added. This initiative not only underscores Barkers Furniture's commitment to sustainability but also serves as an inspiring model for other local businesses.

Learn more about the Low Carbon Project here.

Barkers Furniture

With support from the UKSPF Low Carbon Project, Barkers Furniture received a £19,000 grant for solar panels and ceiling insulation to help regulate the showrooms temperature efficiently and to reduce their carbon footprint.

 

Hear more about their journey and the Low Carbon Project in the video.

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